“The electric-vehicle story is much larger than just the retail story,” said Zo Rahim, senior analyst of Research and Market Intelligence at Cox Automotive. “In many ways, electric vehicles can be an ideal solution for many fleet operations, which often have set routes of known distances, vehicles that routinely overnight in the same location, and operations that prioritize the cost of ownership. The fleet business is significant in the U.S. market, and we expect the EV share of the fleet market to expand in the coming years.”

Fleet operators that currently use EVs, the new study reveals, have a striking 90% likelihood of acquiring additional EVs in the next acquisition cycle. Among the total sample of fleets owners (those with and without EVs), a super majority – 87% – expect EVs to be added to their fleets in the next five years.

When asked, fleet owners forecast that the EV share of the average fleet in five years would be 43%. Among operators currently managing EVs, the projected share of EVs was even higher, at 58%, suggesting those with the most experience with EVs expect more rapid growth.

The research indicates that awareness of fleet EV incentives ,– can significantly lower acquisition costs, is high among operators and viewed more favorably compared to the retail market.

However, Cox noted that as in the retail business, barriers to greater EV adoption in the fleet business continue. Acquisition cost is a primary concern among fleet buyers, particularly for those considering EVs. Existing EV owners express concern about the lack of charging stations and supporting infrastructure. High prices, low mileage range and battery replacement costs were other reported barriers to further adoption.